Festival-goers will spend until midday tomorrow at the inaugural festival, which promoters, Mission Controlled Events, plan to hold every two years.
Well before the festival began, traffic was backed up about 500m along the road, waiting to clear the checkpoints.
Before that, at the SH8-Ohau intersection, police had set up a control centre, breath-testing festival-goers and holiday-makers.
The festival features 48 hours of entertainment from top New Zealand bands and performers.
Once people enter the venue, if they then leave, they cannot get back in again. That is backed up by liquor checks before entry.
A huge stage had been set up, surrounded by shelters and bars, cafes and stalls.
By last night, the basin on Ohau Downs had taken on the appearance of a small town, although some people who had rushed putting up their tents found them blown down by a strong northwest wind.
A full range of emergency services, including Waitaki rural fire, St John and police, are on-site.
